La. Political Hall of Fame 2016

The annual induction ceremony for the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, typically marked by a long drive up to Winnfield, came to Lafayette’s Cajundome Convention Center this year. And, as usual, the March 12 event did not disappoint, featuring speeches by political greats, offering a chance to visit and finishing off with a rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.”

Inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and Museum posthumously this year was former Gov. Sam H. Jones, the father of the public records act and a champion of ethics reform during a time when Earl Long was reaching for control. Also inducted were former Attorney General Richard Ieyoub, lobbyist Randy Haynie, publishing giant B.I. Moody III, retired maritime executive Boysie Bollinger, former Jefferson Parish District Attorney John Mamoulides and retired Lafayette City Court Judge Kaliste Saloom Jr.

The Chehardy family of Jefferson Parish was inducted, receiving the “Political Family of Officeholders Award.” It's the same award that got Gov. John Bel Edwards into the hall in 2014, along with several family members who have served as sheriff and in other political positions. (Photos by Daniel Landry)

We need to face up to how the &ldquo;new New Orleans,&rdquo; so celebrated by the Mayor and the self-anointed civic elite, in fact amounts to a hostile assault on African-American families and the working poor ...